Monitoring PFAS in CT Agricultural Soils:
A pilot program to research soil contamination levels

• CAES provides free PFAS analysis for soil from CT farms.
• Soil Samples for PFAS analysis must be collected with a CAES-provided sampling kit and brought to CAES within 48 hours.
   o Sampling Instructions Here
• Email CAES.PFAStesting@ct.gov to schedule a sampling kit pick up and sample-drop off time

Frequently Asked Questions

What are PFAS?

PFAS, or, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals that contain very strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make them difficult to degrade, and in many cases, highly toxic. PFAS have been in use since the 1940s and have become a common environmental contaminant. Firefighting foams, Teflon, lubricants, and waterproof, greaseproof, and stainproof coatings are common uses of PFAS.

Why might there be PFAS in my soil?

A major source of PFAS in agricultural soils is land applied biosolids. Biosolids, which come from wastewater treatment plants, contain PFAS that leach out of household products and may also contain PFAS from industrial wastes. Other sources of PFAS in soil can include firefighting foams or runoff from areas where firefighting foams have been used, pesticides, and materials used in chromium plating. PFAS can also be present at low levels in precipitation, which has led to PFAS being found in many soils where no other specific source is known.

Why should I care about PFAS in my soil?

PFAS are highly toxic to humans and have been connected to a wide range of health effects including reduced immune response, high cholesterol, hormone changes, thyroid problems, pregnancy complications, and neurodevelopmental effects. PFAS in soil can leach into groundwater and result in contamination of drinking water wells. PFAS in soil can also be taken up into crop plants, resulting in PFAS consumption by humans and animals.

PFAS in farm soils are not yet regulated but may be in the future. We don’t know much about existing PFAS levels on farms. Working with farmers to determine existing background levels is a critical initial step in developing regulations that will protect the health of CT citizens without unnecessary effects on CT farms.

Who can submit samples?

Agricultural farms located in Connecticut are eligible have samples analyzed as part of this program. Samples must consist of soil collected from the farm property, and testing and eligibility agreements must be signed by the farm owner. Farms are defined as organizations that produce and sell any agricultural or horticultural commodity including but not limited to all crops and ornamental plants, livestock and associated commodities (meat, eggs, milk, wool, etc.), maple syrup, honey, mushrooms, fur, and lumber.

What PFAS will be measured in my samples?

Fourteen PFAS will be quantified in each soil sample including PFOS, PFOA, and other carboxylic and sulfonic acid PFAS. PFAS analysis will be conducted using US EPA Method 1633A. Samples may also be submitted to the CAES soil analysis lab to be tested for texture, organic matter, pH, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

What will be done with the data collected?

All data on PFAS levels will be shared directly with the farmers who submit samples to the program. Additionally, anonymized test results may be published in a scientific article and/or shared with other scientists. Owner names, names of farms, exact locations, and other identifying information will not be released, except to the extent that it is required to do so by law (e.g., complying with a Freedom of Information Act request).

How do I collect samples?

Samples must be collected using a CAES sampling kit, which are available for pick up by appointment only at the Johnson-Horsfall Laboratory at the New Haven CAES campus during business hours, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday. The address is 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511. Samples will only be accepted if a CAES sample collection kit has been used due to a high likelihood of sample contamination from improper materials. There is no charge for the kit, but we request that you return the kit when you submit your samples. Email CAES.PFAStesting@ct.gov to set up an appointment.

Samples should be submitted to the lab within 48 hours after collection to maintain integrity. Sampling instructions will be provided with each kit.

We are also working out arrangements for optional sample collection by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Professional sample collection ensures that the test results will be fully representative of the area of concern and is recommended for getting the best quality data.

How do I submit samples?

Sample submission is by appointment only. Appointments will be available during business hours, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm from Monday to Friday. Unless alternative arrangements have been made, the farm owner must be present to sign testing and eligibility agreements. Email CAES.PFAStesting@ct.gov to set up an appointment.

Samples should be brought to the Johnson-Horsfall Laboratory at the New Haven CAES campus. The address is 123 Huntington St., New Haven, CT 06511. We are closed on weekends and holidays.

Self-collected samples will only be accepted if CAES-provided collection materials have been used. Samples should be submitted to the lab within 48 hours after collection to maintain integrity.

For further questions, please contact us directly at CAES.PFAStesting@ct.gov.